Hardware: Standard Models, Specs for Swarthmore Computer Purchases, Replacements
NOTE: Additional RAM, larger hard drive, or other modifications can be requested and charged to a department or faculty budget code. An ethernet port is no longer included on laptops, but can be provided via an ethernet adapter. You can add an ethernet adapter, optical drive, or other peripherals when placing the Computer Purchase Request. Computer reassignment and purchase requests are placed through the ITS Service Portal > Service Catalog (Request New service).
Adding a computer to the replacement cycle: New purchases (not already part of the replacement cycle) can be added to the replacement cycle at the time of purchase. Adding a computer to the replacement cycle incurs a yearly budget transfer to cover the cost of the replacement computer. Separate peripherals (monitors, adapters, wireless keyboards and mice, etc) are not typically included in the replacement cycle. The standard replacement cycle is four years. When the computer is up for replacement, ITS will reach out to the assigned end user. Departments are responsible for notifying ITS of computer reassignments and relocation.
For more information about the four-year replacement cycle, go to Office Computer Replacement.
For more information about computer setups, go to Standard Faculty-Staff Computer Setup.
Standard Hardware Configurations for Faculty-Staff Computers
Standard Laptop Configurations
Apple Laptop: 13.3-inch Macbook Air
- 13.6-inch display
- 8GBs RAM
- 256GB SSD (solid state drive)
- M3 processor
- 3-year warranty (on-campus support)
- NOTE: warranty subject to change, based on costs
Dell Laptop: Latitude
- 14-inch display
- 16GBs RAM
- 256GB SSD (solid state drive)
- Intel i7 processor
- 3-year warranty (on-campus support)
Standard Desktop Configurations
Apple Desktop: 24-inch iMac
- 24-inch display
- 8GBs RAM
- 256GB SSD (solid state drive)
- M3 processor
- 1-year warranty (off-campus support)
Dell Desktop: OptiPlex All-in-One (AIO)
- 24-inch display
- 16GBs RAM
- 256GB SSD (solid state drive)
- Intel i7 processor
- 3-year warranty (on-campus support)
Departmental/Grant Funded Computing Purchases
Departments or faculty can chose one of the standard configurations listed above, or request a custom configuration. Custom Apple and Dell configurations can be added to the Computer Purchase Request placed through the Service Catalog. IT Purchasing will send a quote for approval prior to placing the purchase.